Ascension offers convenient scheduling that allows you to check-in for estimated treatment times at ERs and Urgent Care Centers or schedule appointments for healthcare services - including visits to your primary care doctor.

Specializing in high-risk breast cancer care

High-risk Breast Cancer Clinic

If you have a family history of breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, we have options available to decrease your risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have had a prior breast biopsy with any kind of atypical (abnormal cells) also fall into the high-risk category. At your appointment, we will educate you about all of your options: genetic testing, lifestyle changes, medications, surgical procedures, and ongoing surveillance to help decrease your risk of breast cancer.

Our High-risk Breast Cancer Program

The High-risk Breast Clinic located at the St. Vincent Carmel Women’s Center utilizes a multi-disciplinary team specialized in breast care including breast surgeons, nurse practitioners, certified genetic counselors, radiologists, and medical oncologists.

We have a dedicated nurse practitioner experienced in high-risk breast monitoring, coordination of cancer genetic testing, and management of benign breast diseases. She works with women who are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and provides personalized management to help reduce their risk.

Within the Clinic, we offer immediate bedside ultrasound and connect directly with the breast imaging center so patients receive accurate results promptly. This team approach ensures that the high-risk patient is provided the most up-to-date resources and a strong support team throughout her journey.

While we have great technology and research for breast cancer treatment, our goal at the St. Vincent High-risk Breast Clinic is to help women reduce their risk of ever having breast cancer at all or to help find it at its earliest, most easily treatable stage.

Screening and Examinations

Breast screening guidelines are frequently changing and can be confusing for patients. These guidelines are based on average-risk women with no family history, no gene mutations, and no previously abnormal breast biopsies and may not apply to many women. Modern medicine encourages personalizing breast screening based on risk levels.

Our high-risk breast program thoroughly examines both a women’s personal and family history to determine their individual risk level for breast cancer and offers early detection and risk reduction techniques that would most help them. These interventions may include lifestyle changes, increased breast imaging, genetic testing, medications, and even surgical options in some cases.